'Playing for my country is all I've ever wanted'
Jack Iredale is taking "really high confidence" into his first Australia training camp after his rise to prominence in Hibs' memorable season.The defender is currently with new head coach Tony Popovic's Socceroos squad - alongside clubmates Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller - after his Hibs form was recognised with a first senior call-up.Iredale, who moved to Easter Road from Bolton last summer, had to bide his time before playing a key role in the 17-game unbeaten run that helped propel David Gray's side to a third-place finish."It was a tough start but we managed to turn things around in November and went on a really good run," the 28-year-old said."At the start of the season we set ourselves a goal of European football and finishing third means we've hopefully got a qualifying place."Now I come into the camp with really high confidence after a positive season and I'm just trying to keep things going from there."Iredale, born in Scotland before moving to Australia in his childhood, is eyeing a dream debut in next month's World Cup qualifiers with Japan and Saudi Arabia after fearing for his career following three ACL injuries as a teenager.The former Australia youth international said: "I've been out of the system now for 13 years. I've been working away to try and get back involved. I'm very excited to be here."It's very rewarding. I had a tough time at the start of my career with injuries but to have this positive step in a good direction with the training camp, hopefully I can do well this week."For me, playing for my country is the only thing I've wanted to do in my career."It's been pretty good. It's been tough but everyone has made me feel really welcome. The boys have been really good."Obviously there's a few familiar faces but even the boys I hadn't met before have made me feel really welcome."
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